Academy 1/144 B-47E Stratojet Build Review
By Fotios Rouch
| Date of Review | January 2013 | Manufacturer | Academy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | B-47E Stratojet | Scale | 1/144 |
| Kit Number | 4443 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Relatively easy build | Cons | See text |
| Skill Level | Basic | MSRP (USD) | $13.50 |
Review
Academy's effort in 144th scale is the only plastic kit other than the old but still very accurate Hasegawa kit in 72nd scale. There is also a vacuform kit in 48th scale by Sanger.
The kit looks accurate for the scale and there is even an RB version of it in case you want something more exotic.
The kit builds fairly quickly with few pitfalls.
The engine nacelles do not match the wings very well.
The instructions do not show locating holes for the wing tanks.
The outrigger landing gear needs serious trimming. The instructions tell you to trim it so all wheels touch but you need to take so much off that the look of the outriggers is affected.
The main landing gear is beautiful and very accurate for 144th scale.
I used decal stripes by Scalemaster to do the canopy framing. They come in all colors including silver.
The kit decals were very fragile and part of it is my fault. I absolutely cannot stand it when the carrier film shows on an NMF finish so I trimmed off most of the supporting film around the do-not-walk areas and that made the black stripe fall apart at the slightest provocation. Also the SAC sash and logo are way too light but I had no replacements at this scale.
Overall no big issues with this little kit and the results are pleasing.
